Kenny Florian not ready to retire yet, returning at 155 pounds

After falling short in his third attempt at winning a UFC championship earlier this month, original Ultimate Fighter alumnus Kenny Florian left fans wondering if they had seen the last of the Massachusetts native in an arena as a competitor rather than a ticket-holder in the crowd or member of the media. The public now has an answer.

Florian put rumors of his potential retirement to rest today when the 35-year old revealed his decision to remain an active Mixed Martial Artist, and, not only will Florian fight again but he’ll do so in the division he called home for five years – lightweight.

“I didn’t get in this to be second-best, of course. But at the same time, not everybody can be a champion,” the former 155-pound contender stated in a conversation with The Boston Herald. “I’m just going to go back to 155, work my way up, take it one fight at a time and see where it puts me.”

In terms of expectations, Florian explained he simply wants to test himself and isn’t necessarily looking to string together one final run at UFC gold. In fact, he’s not 100% positive how long his return to the ring will last.

“I don’t like making any limits on how many fights or anything like that,” Florian finished on the subject. “I’m still going to take it one fight at a time. I know I’ve still got several good fights in me. I could fight for the next three years. I could fight maybe another couple of fights. I don’t know. I’m going to take it how I feel in training, how I feel fight after fight and I’m just going to take it like that.”

What’s with these guys dropping down a weight class, getting a title shot, losing, and then going back up? Both he and Diego did it and both would be better suited for the lower weight class. F* it.
Give him Cowboy if he gets passed Siver this next weekend.

I think Sanchez set the precedent. It’s just a slap in the face to the rest of the division.

I still think Florian is better suited to 145. It’s not like he’s the biggest guy in the division and he could easily stay in the top 5 at FW as opposed to LW. It would also bring some needed name recognition to FW.